Conte said: "If you compare Michy with last season he has improved a lot.

"He understands this league because it’s not simple. He understands our style of football but don’t forget he’s another young player and he’s working hard to improve.

"This season he’s finding many opportunities to play, in the Champions League, Premier League and Carabao Cup, coming on and starting games. Last season he had few opportunities but this season he’s playing a lot. The most important thing is to show he’s improving.

Michy Batshuayi could start in Alvaro Morata's place when Chelsea take on Crystal Palace today

"Don’t forget, as a striker I can also utilise Eden Hazard. Last season we played two games with Hazard as the number nine, with Willian and Pedro, and if I see a situation we are ready to do that again, but Michy is showing he deserves to play."

Chelsea are third in the Premier League going into the Palace showdown, six points off top spot.

They can leapfrog Tottenham into third if they win today and Spurs fail to beat Bournemouth.